The Arbor Day Foundation named the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh a 2012 Tree Campus USA in honor of its commitment to effective community forestry management. This is the third consecutive year of recognition for UW Oshkosh.

UW Oshkosh achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures toward trees, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning projects.

“At UWO, our commitment to sustainability is holistic and reflects a true sense-of-place that is deeply rooted in a genuine respect and appreciation for Earth’s life-giving processes,” said UW Oshkosh Sustainability Director Brian Kermath. “We manage our landscape so that this ethic literally sprouts from our grounds. Our hope is to not only manage for aesthetics but also to preserve ecological integrity and to inspire the larger community. The Tree Campus USA designation is a testament to this commitment.”

Tree Campus USA, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. Tree Campus USA is supported by a generous grant from Toyota.

“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for all of us.”

About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org.